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Calgary to Banff Must-Do Pit Stop List

One Day in Calgary

Calgary to Banff Must-Do Pit Stop List

Get the most out of 24 hours in Calgary with the ultimate one day itinerary in the city.

By

Sarah Baker

December 30th, 2017

Sarah Baker was born in Calgary and lived there for the following 28 years. She was transplanted to Hamilton, ON, with her husband in 2012 where they now live with their son. Check out Sarah’s blog at ispeakcanadian.com

Only have one day to see what the cityscape of Calgary has to offer on your Basecamp to Adventure getaway? Check out this guide of adventures for you to experience your own, personal, perfect day in Calgary.

Brunch at OEB Breakfast Co.

For your day in Calgary, skip an early breakfast in favour of brunch on Edmonton Trail north of 7th Avenue. There you’ll find a strip of great breakfast spots. They’re popular but you can always move to the next one if the wait is too long! Some of the local favourites include OEB Breakfast Co., Diner Deluxe, and the Blue Star Diner.

Selfies at the Calgary Tower.

One thing you’ll want to check out for sure is the Calgary Tower. If heights aren’t your thing, stop into the street-level gift shop for a tower-shaped souvenir before heading north just one block towards Stephen Avenue, the city’s only pedestrian mall. Wet your whistle at the Unicorn Pub with a Calgary-original: the Bloody Caesar.

If the weather is nice, Calgary Zoo is quite expansive and always has something new to see.

Smithbilt Hats in Calgary.

When I’m in a new city, I often like to spend some time simply strolling, drinking coffee, and window (or actual) shopping. If this tickles your fancy, 17th Ave is a great place for that, as are the neighbourhoods of Kensington and Inglewood. If you’re in Inglewood, swing down south a few blocks to Smithbilt Hats and pick yourself up one of their iconic white cowboy hats.

UNA Pizza + Wine in Calgary.

When it’s time for dinner, if you want pizza, you have many options – Una Pizza + Wine (17th Ave), Ristorante Pulcinella (Kensington), and Without Papers (Inglewood), to name a few. All three have options that are great for everyone, even those with dietary preferences or restrictions. You could also slide by The Coup – an amazing vegetarian, ethically-sourced restaurant. Or if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, grab a taxi for a short ride to the Bow Bulgogi House, a well-kept secret in the city’s southwest.

Whatever you choose to see, do, and eat in Calgary, I can guarantee your time in this world-class city will be well spent.